Eagles Notes: Eagles running back Polk still out

Philadelphia Eagles' Bryan Braman (56) leaps onto the field before an NFL preseason football game against the New York Jets, Thursday, Aug. 28, 2014, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

By Zach Berman, Inquirer Staff Writer

Posted: August 30, 2014

Chris Polk did not play in the preseason finale Thursday against the New York Jets despite his hopes to make his debut. The running back has dealt with a hamstring injury since July 28. He returned to practice this week and estimated that he would be at 80 percent for the game.

When the Eagles took the field, Polk was not even in uniform. The injury complicates his spot on the team. The Eagles had expected Polk to be their No. 3 running back behind LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles when training camp started. The way coach Chip Kelly spoke at the beginning of camp suggested as much.

That has changed in the last two weeks, especially when Kelly said after the third preseason game that the Eagles needed to figure out who their third running back would be. The performances of Matthew Tucker and Henry Josey, along with the addition of Kenjon Barner, made Polk's spot more tenuous.

Polk rushed back to practice but apparently was not yet ready to play. It leaves the Eagles with a tough decision. Polk had three touchdowns on 11 carries last season, but he has dealt with injuries in his two seasons with the Eagles. Polk has practice-squad eligibility under the league's new rules. If his injury is more serious than believed, he could be stashed on injured reserve.

Tobin hurts ankle

Offensive lineman Matt Tobin left the game in the first quarter with a left-ankle injury. X-rays were negative, although Tobin did not return to the game.

Even if Tobin's injury is not serious, missing any time would force the Eagles to keep eight offensive linemen. The team activates seven offensive linemen on game days, so if Tobin is questionable to play next week, the Eagles would not be able to go light at offensive line.

Tobin is expected to fill Allen Barbre's role as the backup guard and tackle during Lane Johnson's four-week suspension. Tobin was on the Eagles' active roster throughout last season.

Kenjon Barner also left the game with a left-ankle injury. X-rays were negative. Barner finished with five carries for 21 yards and one catch for minus-4 yards. He was the kick returner and punt returner before the injury.

Tucker left the game after injuring his left shoulder. He finished with six carries for 39 yards.

Most starters sit

The only starter to play for the Eagles was Bennie Logan. The second-year nose tackle missed the first preseason game.

Among other Eagles who did not play were tight end Zach Ertz, cornerback Brandon Boykin, wide receivers Jordan Matthews and Brad Smith, and cornerback Nolan Carroll.